Sun Towel and Blanket

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a circular sun towel and blanket which enables consumers to rotate their body as opposed to their towel in facing the direction of the sun. Centrally positioned is a small zippered hole to accommodate an umbrella.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/516,467 filed Apr. 4, 2011, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Sun Towel and Blanket.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of outdoor accessories, and more specifically to the field of sunning towels for the beach, lake and poolside.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for towels. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,096,526 to Laura E. Ogan describes a round, square or rectangular beach towel made of terry cloth which has two hole in it. One hole is located in the center and another hole is located along an outside edge or corner. The holes provide a place to insert an umbrella handle into the sand or ground on which the towel lays.

U.S. Pat. Design 355,096 to Kurt Lang describes an ornamental design for a round beach towel which is patterned to look look like a clock face. A sun replica, with sun rays extending outward, is in the middle section of the clock face. The numerical numbers of the clock face occupy the outer edges of the towel, surrounding the sun rays.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,803,845 to Marjorie Paschall Bradford describes a towel constructed in circular form that includes means for suspending the same towel from a towel rack. One embodiment of this circular towel is to include an elastic suspension element so the towel may be disposed in a convenient position for use by small children in the bathroom. The child can dry off without having to remove the towel from the towel rack.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a round sunning towel that can be used alone or with an umbrella.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view showing the blanket and umbrella on the ground or beach.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view showing the blanket and umbrella with the blanket attached to a stand raised from the ground or beach.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the blanket with the umbrella slot containing a zipper closure.

FIG. 4 is a zoom view of the zipper closure in the umbrella slot.

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative side view of the hinged blanket stand with the right side standing solidly and the left side raised upward to show the stand's folding capability.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The warmth of the summer season makes it the perfect time to indulge in outdoor activities. From playing spirited sports games on city streets or splashing gleefully in a backyard pool to embarking on a camping adventure or languidly swaying in a porch swing, adults and children seek a myriad of ways to bask in this season's pleasantly balmy days and evenings. Perhaps no other summer pastime is more revered than visiting the closest beach. Whether people are seeking to master the rough tides on surfboards, swim in the warm salty waters, or simply lie supine under the blazing summer sun, these tropical paradises attract millions of surf and sand aficionados every year.

Allowing the golden rays of the sun to tan the body, with the crashing of ocean waves offering comforting sonic accompaniment, is relaxing and invigorating. Sunbathers on beaches often encounter challenges in this luxurious pursuit. Continuously moving a beach towel to face the direction of the sun is a frustrating challenge. Simply changing one's direction involves getting up from one's towel, moving coolers, umbrellas, and other personal belongings.

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Sun Towel and Blanket, is a specially designed beach towel boasting a circular shape, which enables consumers to rotate their body as opposed to their towel in facing the direction of the sun. The circular Sun Towel and Blanket is manufactured of thick and absorbent terry cloth material and measures approximately sixty-two inches in diameter. A larger version, which is more like a blanket, measures approximately eighty four inches in diameter. Centrally positioned on both versions is a small zippered hole to accommodate an umbrella. This ingress measures between approximately three and six inches in diameter. The Sun Towel and Blanket is produced in a wide variety of vibrant colors, as well as in a host of charming printed designs, to appeal to individual tastes.

Application and use of the Sun Towel and Blanket is very simple and straightforward. Consumers purchase the product according to color or design preference, as well as in a size to best suit their personal needs. A single coed may purchase a brightly colored Sun Towel and Blanket towel for personal use. A mother of two small children may purchase the larger blanket for family use. Once purchased, the user packs their Sun Towel and Blanket along with other gear and head off for a day at the beach or an afternoon at the pool. Spreading the Sun Towel and Blanket flat on the ground, the user lies back in a comfortable position, enjoying the invigorating rays of the sun. If the user wishes to employ an umbrella, the shade's pole conveniently fits into the zippered hole in the center of the towel or blanket. As the sun moves across the sky, the user repositions his or her body on the towel to follow the direction of the sun's rays. After use, the user removes the Sun Towel and Blanket, launders the unit per usual and stores the towel with other beach accessories until needed again.

The Sun Towel and Blanket is a practical and innovative design which provides consumers with an easy and comfortable means of changing the direction in which they sit or lie to best enjoy the rays of the sun. Lightweight and portable, the present invention is affordable, comfortable, durable and can withstand many years of use.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 

1. A round sunning towel device that can be used alone or with an umbrella, comprising: thick and absorbent terry cloth material and measures approximately sixty-two inches in diameter.
 2. A round sunning towel device that can be used alone or with an umbrella, comprising: thick and absorbent terry cloth material and measures approximately eighty four inches in diameter.
 3. The round sunning towel device of claim 1 further comprising a Centrally positioned small zippered hole to accommodate an umbrella.
 4. The round sunning towel device of claim 3 wherein the small hole measures between approximately three and six inches in diameter.
 5. The round sunning towel device of claim 2 further comprising a Centrally positioned small zippered hole to accommodate an umbrella.
 6. The round sunning towel device of claim 5 wherein the small hole measures between approximately three and six inches in diameter. 